Omega-3 Oils: A Potential Key to Slowing Aging, New Study Suggests
A recent major clinical trial suggests that a daily intake of omega-3 oils may have the potential to decelerate the aging process. This research highlights the importance of healthspan—the number of years an individual spends in good health prior to a decline associated with old age. Conducted in Switzerland, the study involved nearly 800 healthy participants aged 70 and over who consumed one gram of essential fatty acids daily over a span of three years. The results indicated that those taking omega-3 oils aged approximately three months less than those not consuming them, as measured by biological markers.
The study, led by Professor Heike Bischoff-Ferrari of the University of Zurich, found that including additional vitamin D and regular exercise could enhance this effect, potentially improving biological age by nearly four months. While these timeframes might seem minimal individually, the long-term benefits could be significant considering the broader population's health. Bischoff-Ferrari noted the relevance of these modest yet meaningful changes in aging when maintained over time.
Previous studies have suggested that omega-3 fatty acids—found in oily fish as well as nuts and seeds—could influence the aging process, but evidence of their effectiveness in humans had remained inconclusive until now. To measure changes in biological age, researchers employed epigenetic clocks that assess DNA methylation, which reflects the biological health of tissues.
Participants in the trial were divided into eight groups, each undertaking different interventions: daily intake of one gram of algae-based omega-3, 2,000 International Units of vitamin D, or engaging in 30 minutes of exercise three times a week. The findings indicated that omega-3 supplementation alone slowed the biological aging process; however, there were additional benefits when coupled with vitamin D and regular exercise. This was reported in the journal Nature Aging.
The DoHealth trial has yielded other promising results associated with omega-3, such as a 10% reduction in falls among seniors and a 13% decrease in infections. Furthermore, combining omega-3 with vitamin D and exercise resulted in a 39% reduced risk of entering 'prefrailty'—a state marked by physical or mental decline—and a remarkable 61% reduction in invasive cancers.
While these findings offer exciting possibilities for extending healthspan in the population, researchers caution that the results are preliminary. It remains to be seen whether the observed slowing of aging directly correlates with longer and healthier lifespans. One study also indicated that fish oil supplements are primarily beneficial for those with existing cardiovascular diseases, potentially raising risks in healthy individuals.
As a response to these findings, the NHS does not recommend omega-3 supplements but instead suggests consuming two portions of fish weekly or equivalent vegetarian sources to ensure adequate intake.
Notable researchers within the field have offered differing perspectives on these findings. Steve Horvath, a senior author at Altos Labs in Cambridge, remarked that the study serves as a prototype for future research aimed at reversing aging, asserting that '70 is the new 50.' Though he acknowledged that these interventions are not a definitive solution to aging, he underscored the importance of incorporating omega-3, vitamin D, and exercise into one’s lifestyle.
Conversely, Leonard Schalkwyk, a human genetics professor at Essex University, approached the findings with caution. He noted that DNA methylation changes with age, and while the study indicates a small change in age-related DNA aspects, it cannot conclusively prove that biological age can be reversed.
In conclusion, these emerging insights on omega-3 oils present a hopeful avenue for improving healthspan and overall well-being as people age. Continued research will be essential to determine the long-term effects of these interventions on aging and health.
Related Sources: